The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXIII

ISAMEL MEJIA
HELEN SULLIVAN, TEACHER
Joseph J. Hurley K-8 School, Boston, MA
I’m sad because I left my mom in the Dominican Republic last year.
Before arriving in this country, I talked to my best friend every day about my
trip to Boston. I told him many times that I didn’t want to go to Boston.
Sometimes, I understood that I had to go to Boston because my permit for
residence was going to expire. I felt so sad to leave my mom that I wanted to
cry. My friend convinced me when he said to me, “You must go for your
benefit. Your mom and your dad only want the best for you.” After that
conversation, I decided to go to Boston and see for myself whether or not it
was convenient for me to stay there.
“I REALLY DON’T
KNOW HOW I GOT THE
COURAGE TO LEAVE
MY FAMILY, ESPECIALLY
MY MOM, TO COME TO
THE UNITED STATES.”
I realized that I would be living in a new country, learning a new language, and
meeting other friends in a new school. It was a lot for me. I felt overwhelmed!
I wanted to cry, scream, and go back to my family.
I had to go to school. My stepbrother took me to the Hurley School. We talked
to Ms. Denise Flores, and she introduced me to Ms. Sullivan’s class and Dr. G’s
class. I was scared! When we went to Dr. G’s class, I saw the girls I met during
summer camp. That made me feel better. I was not that scared anymore. Those
girls introduced me to other girls and boys. I enjoyed their company very much,
and I still enjoy their company now.
After a while, I started to make friends in the new school, and I felt much better
around students my age. They made me laugh. Calling my mom every day
made me feel better, knowing that she was okay and happy for me.
I really don’t know how I got the courage to leave my family, especially my
mom, to come to the United States. My mom and dad were always telling me,
“Nosotros solo queremos lo mejor para ti” (We only want the best for you).
I understood that. If I wanted to better myself, I had to listen to them. It was
really hard for me to make that decision. I did it! I called my mom every single
day. It got easier with my friends in school. I felt very proud of myself.
I still miss all my family that stayed in Santo Domingo. Sometimes I want to
leave Boston because I feel like this is not my place, but then I remember that
my dad and mom and my whole family only want the best for me.
THE COURAGE OF CHILDREN: BOSTON AND BEYOND
VOLUME XXXIII
10 11